As Dexter points out, this is an interesting read. Unfortunately it takes lawsuits like this to get people to do their due diligence when looking for a business to invest in. Jumping too quickly, false promises and the lure of easy money with little work have created an industry that simply can’t live up to the hype. It was a shaky foundation to begin with, then pile on association vultures who are trolling for a quick dollar and you have an industry that only survives because it is feeding on itself. When those owners can’t sustain themselves the whole thing comes tumbling down like a house of cards. In many respects this industry is nothing more than a shell game; move the money, move the marketing, cut the employees, don’t pay too close attention to what’s going on and hope you can fool enough people long enough to make some money then disappear before the cops show up.

But where will all these lawsuits lead us? Heaven only knows at this point. The lawsuit against Dream Dinners has been dragging on for years. The evidence seems to continue to mount against them, but no move has actually been made. Other stores like Make and Take Gourmet have crumbled under the weight of their lawsuits and other franchises have disappeared before litigation could latch on. In the long run however, it seems this industry will shut down before the lawsuits are ever settled.

Presently, we are hearing about lawsuits involving Peaberry Coffee and its law firm, the case is now on appeal; Forza Coffee and its outside counsel; two cases against Dream Dinners and its attorneys and law firms, including the renowned Holland & Knight; and South Beach Franchising and its Francorp development firm and in-house counsel. A case against The Coffee Beanery and its outside attorney and law firm was dismissed, so far with no further action.